Kevin Sheedy insists he will not replace Richmond's Terry Wallace in 2009

By Glenn McFarlane and Jackie Epstein
April 19, 2009

AFL icon Kevin Sheedy has declared he won't coach Richmond this season, but the Essendon legend has not ruled out coaching next year.

Even if the Tigers decided to replace coach Terry Wallace this season, Sheedy said he would not be an option as caretaker coach.

"I'm telling you right now, don't ever think I'll be coaching this year," he said.

"It's not even in my mind, don't even think about it. I would never ever ever do that to Terry Wallace.

"I don't know what's going to happen next year but I know what I can do and what I can't do. If I thought I couldn't coach I wouldn't. I'm really enjoying freedom right now."

Sheedy understood why the pressure was building at Punt Road but he urged fans and the club to be patient.

"You can't blame Terry Wallace for the previous years of failure at Richmond."

Sheedy also called for the AFL to intervene so coaches could not be sacked during the season.

Sunday Herald Sun